Enhance your home improvement game with this list of toolbox essentials – whether you’re a budding builder or DIY dab-hand
Whether you’re renovating the guest bathroom, installing floating shelves of just making minor repairs around the house, having the right tools makes all the difference.
A well-stocked toolbox can save you time and frustration and ensure your weekend projects are completed both safely and efficiently.
Jeremy Wyn-Harris, the CEO of builderscrack.co.nz, has shared the 10 essentials for the ultimate toolbox, from your basic hammer to your more specialised cordless drills that, for regular maintenance of your home.
1. A quality toolbox
A durable toolbox is the first port of call for any budding DIYer. Look for something with ample storage (dividers to organise your tools may be helpful too) and made of sturdy materials. If your toolbox is tough enough to stand on, you’ll find it handy when you need extra reach.
2. Safety gear
Make sure you’ve got the appropriate safety gear for all your DIY needs. You will need a sturdy pair of work gloves to protect your hands, a decent pair of safety goggles to look after your eyes, high decibel-rated ear protection, an appropriate mask for the job you’re undertaking (check the rating to ensure the mask is suitable for the level of dust, fumes or paint you’ll be working with) and possibly, a pair of steel-toe footwear.
3. Flathead and Philips screwdrivers
Make sure you have a variety of screwdrivers of different sizes, and you’ll be prepared for any type of screw that passes you by. Whether you’re tightening a loose cabinet door, assembling new furniture or just opening new paint tins, your screwdriver collection will always come in handy.
4. Classic claw hammer
No toolbox is complete without a builder’s hammer. From hanging pictures to assembling furniture a sturdy hammer is a versatile tool that you’ll reach for time and time again.
Try holding a few different brands – you’ll find they all have a different feel. Pick the one that feels right for you and fits your budget. The handle should fit in your hand comfortably and the weight should be easy for you to handle.
5. Small (but mighty) tools
Fill your toolbox with basics such as a set of Allen keys, measuring tape, electrical and duct tape, a builder’s knife and the all-important builder’s pencil.
You’ll also need a spirit level because no one wants wonky shelves; a decent set of pliers – great for gripping and holding objects firmly, especially those in tricky positions; and an adjustable wrench or spanner to tighten and loosen a range of nuts and bolts.
6. Painting tools
For DIY painters, a set of paint brushes, rollers, a paint tray and a roller handle extension is a great place to start. A paint spray gun will give a superior finish, but it requires specialist application techniques to prevent running and other issues.
For large one-off jobs and any significant exterior house painting, I recommend getting a tradie in to ensure a professional finish without the stress.
7. A cordless drill
A cordless drill should be next on your list. It will make DIY projects so much easier than fiddling around with hand drills and screwdrivers.
As well as drilling holes and driving screws, you can use purpose drill bits for specialist jobs such as cutting large holes and sanding. Most cordless drills come with two rechargeable batteries, so you can keep one on charge and swap it out when the one you’re using gets low.
8. A handsaw or jigsaw
The type of saw you need will depend on the type of work you’ll be carrying out. Bow, coping and toolbox saws are great for small jobs, but if you need something with a bit more power, a good place to start would be a jigsaw. These are great for following line work, especially curved patterns and shapes.
If you’re looking for something to tackle larger tasks around the house, such as new decking or flooring perhaps, opt for a circular saw or mitre saw.
9. Sander
For painting projects, it’s almost certain the surface will need to be sanded down beforehand.
Save time and effort by investing in a handheld sander to create a perfectly smooth surface for applying paint and lacquer. For bigger jobs such as flooring and decking, you’re better off renting a floor sander or getting a professional in to do the job.
10. Angle grinder
If you’re planning a lot of DIY including metal work, an angle grinder is worth investing in. Tradies from nearly every industry rely on these so it makes sense for a passionate and active DIYer to invest, too.
Like cordless drills, many attachments can be purchased for a range of jobs. They can be used for removing paint and rust, cleaning, polishing and cutting metal. They can also be used to sand, shape and carve wood, and sharpen garden tools. Be aware that the safe use of this tool requires direction from an experienced operator, and full safety gear is essential.
Shop our toolbox essentials below
1. Waxed Canvas Tool Bag
$89.00 at Trade Tested
Super tough, and easy to clean, this waterproof, multi-purpose bag is suitable for all your tool organisation and transportation needs.
Throw in everything you need, hand tools, garden accessories, your packed lunch, and more.
2. 52-piece toolset
$68.92 at Amazon
With everything you need, this hand tool kit is perfect for home maintenance and daily use. Including a claw hammer, tape measure, pliers, magnetic screwdrivers and more, all in the same black and pink colourway, your handy DIY tools will never go missing.
3. Bluetooth Noise-Isolating Earbuds
$49.98 at Bunnings
Unlike typical ear protection, these noise-isolating earbuds allow you to enjoy safe, convenient, high-quality audio while you work. These earbuds allow you to take phone calls in a noisy environment too, while suppressing background noise, you wont have to leave your workplace while you talk.
Related articles:
- This tiny home on wheels was a DIY dream
- Give your bedroom a new look with this DIY bedside table
- How art, DIY and clever styling revamped this rental home
Words by: Jeremy Wyn-Harris. Photography by: Derek Swalwell/bauersyndication.com.au.
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